Solid-state current limiter for power distribution system

To prevent voltage decrease of distribution systems, the principle and fundamental characteristics of a solid-state current limiter using GTO thyristors were investigated. Basic components of the apparatus were a fast solid-state switch and a current limiting impedance of low resistance in parallel with the switch. Experimental results of the test current limiter showed the fault current was limited successfully, regardless of DC component size. The time from detection of fault occurrence to interruption of the fault current by the solid-state switch was 40 μs. This time was very short in comparison with that before the fault current reached a large value. Thermal rise of the solid-state switch for conduction was solved by a self-cooling apparatus using a noncombustible cooling liquid. The results indicated that the solid-state current limiter was a valuable protecting device for high fault current distribution systems